We all like to see our name in print. We hang it on our office walls, we display it on awards we have won, we put it on t-shirts and vanity plates. We like it when people use our name.

The point Mr. Carnegie makes is that since a person’s name is so important, it is worth our effort to remember it. Their name is important to them.

Groundhog Day

For example, if you think about it, you might be able to think of movies or TV shows where a character has the same name as yours. If the character is portrayed dumb or negatively, you probably don’t appreciate it. We like it when characters with our name are portrayed as the hero or the ‘good guy.’

Personally, my favorite ‘Phil’ character is Phil Connors played by Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day.” That scene where he meets Ned Ryerson cracks me up, as well as the scenes where the people in town make a big deal of his name being the same as Punxsutawney Phil…the groundhog…when he introduces himself.

Townsperson: “Like the groundhog, Phil?”

Phil: “Yeah, like the groundhog, Phil.”

Some people do a better job of this than others of remembering but it is indeed worth our while to try to remember peoples names. It is appreciated when our names are not only used but remembered by others.

Coke is It!

I really like what Coke is doing in their #ShareACoke campaign. Coca-Cola recently came out with what I think is a brilliant marketing plan. They have individual names on the labels of coke bottles.

I enjoy a Coke from time to time and recently someone had a bottle that said “Share a Coke with Phil” on the label. I was excited they shared their Coke but more excited to see my name on the label!

Some of the coolest gifts we get or give are those that are personalized with our name. We stop and take pictures when we see it displayed on signs of shops and restaurants, even though the shop or restaurant is not named specifically after us. It’s just cool to see our name in lights in various fonts and sizes.

So remember this the next time you are introduced to someone. Use their name. They will appreciate it and it will help you remember it.

I would like to know what are some of your favorite movie or TV characters that have your name? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to #shareacoke.